Welcome! Thank you for wanting to learn more about the
nation's rarest and most wonderful breed!

What is a CVM? CVM
stands for California Varigated Mutant, actually a color pattern of a Romeldale. This is the term used for a badger faced
pattern. Glen Eidman, a partner of J.K. Sexton, in the 60's discovered in his purebred Romeldale flock a multi-colored, badger
faced ewe. Two years later, a twin ram with the same badger face pattern was born. When bred with the original ewe, the resulting
off-spring were of the same badger markings. Subsequent breedings and additional mutations from his Romeldale flock resulted
in the California Variegated Mutant. Mr. Eidman spent the next 15 years developing these sheep. Not a single replacement ewe
or ram was sold, so that only the highest quality of genetics were used to replace the nucleus. In 1982 the CVM flock, which
numbered 75, was sold. They were dispersed among a dozen different buyers throughtout California. Since then, CVMs have been
kept purebred in only a few flocks, while in others, they have been crossed with other breeds. Obviously, only purebred CVMs
from this orignal stock can be registered. Please read further through our website, Romeldale/CVM sheep are perhaps the best
choice for small farms because they have wonderful wool, produce a good carcass, and thrive in even the most extreme weather.
This breed does not require a lot of heavy maintance, and they were bred to be resistant to many of the problems that plague
other breeds. A simple way to support this breed of sheep and our organization is to purchase shirts and gifts with our logo. Think of us for unique gifts for holiday and special occasions!

Photo
courtesy of The Little Orchard Farm

Romeldale/CVM Sheep are considered critically endangered by The American Livestock
Conservancy (ALBC, North America).

ARCA, Inc. encourages all prime breeding stock to be registered to conserve this
critically endangered breed.